Abstract: A portable floss cup that allows for quick and convenient access to un-used portable flossers is provided. The floss cup is sized to fit in the cup holder of one's vehicle, and may be composed of paper, plastic, or biodegradable materials. The cup is formed with an inner wall for receiving used portable flossers and waste therein, an outer wall having a diameter larger than the inner wall, and an upper wall extending between the inner and outer wall. Un-used portable flossers are radially disposed in slots provided around the upper wall. A lid large enough to cover the top of the cup may also be included. Once the flossers provided with the cup are expended, an end user may either replace the expended flossers with new un-used ones, or they may replace the cup entirely.

Abstract: A pump assembly (22) including a piston (36) reciprocal within a cylinder (48) for pressurizing a fluid in a pressure chamber (38) of the cylinder. A biasing member is configured to exert a driving force on the piston to drive the piston in a pumping direction from a reset position to a deployed position. A drivetrain (34) is engageable with the piston and provides power sufficient to transition the piston back to the reset position. A stroke limiting mechanism (42) has a stopping member (82) with a stopping surface (86) against which a protrusion (92) of the piston contacts to define a stroke length of the piston by limiting movement of the piston in the pumping direction (94) when the protrusion engages the stopping surface. The stopping member has a first configuration corresponding to a first stroke length for the piston and a second configuration corresponding to a second stroke length.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental treatment assisting tool which allows various foreign materials generated when teeth are being polished or plaque is being removed during dental treatment to be easily withdrawn to the outside without having to swallow and also allows breathing through the mouth. Specifically, the dental treatment assisting tool comprises: a base plate (1) having a generally circular shape on plane, having a concave upper side so that saliva or foreign materials can be easily collected to the center thereof, and having an elliptical spatial part (12) formed on one side thereof for a tongue to be seated therein; and an air supply pipe (2) which is a soft resin pipe connected to a hole (14) bored in the center of the base plate (1). Accordingly, during the dental treatment, the entire throat may be sealed in a breathable state for a patient.

Abstract: An equine therapy boot that has an insulating shaft that can be securely fastened at multiple locations on an equine leg and hold a volume of therapeutic media to treat the equine hoof and leg is disclosed herein. The equine therapy boot includes a sole member, an internal securing mechanism, and an insulating shaft configured to retain therapeutic media. Advantageously, this equine therapy boot secures the horse's hoof to the sole member such that the insulating shaft is not displaced from the horse's hoof and leg during the treatment period. Also disclosed herein are methods of treating a diseased or injured horse's hoof and leg with the disclosed equine therapy boot.

Abstract: An artificial sphincter to be implanted in a urethra, for treating patients suffering from urinary incontinence, includes a container configured to be connected to a wall of a urethra, inside or outside it, a valve unit housed within the container and configured to move from a release configuration to a block configuration and vice-versa. An actuation magnet is movably (rotatably or slidably) arranged between a first and a second position in the container, and is connected to the valve unit such that a predetermined (rotation or translation) movement of the actuation magnet from a first towards a second position, or from the second towards the first position, under the effect of an external manoeuvre magnet, brings the valve unit from the release configuration to the block configuration, where the valve is stably maintained, and from the block configuration to the release configuration, where the valve is stably maintained.

Abstract: Prosthesis (1) comprising a patch (2) made of biocompatible material, said patch having a generally plane geometric shape that defines two opposite faces, a centre, a length and a width of said patch, characterized in that said patch is provided, on one (2a) of its faces, with a single marking means (3) designed to indicate both the centre (C) of the patch and also the longitudinal direction of said patch.

Abstract: A method for making a polymer with a porous layer from a solid piece of polymer is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes heating a surface of a solid piece of polymer to a processing temperature and holding the processing temperature while displacing a porogen layer through the surface of the polymer to create a matrix layer of the solid polymer body comprising the polymer and the porogen layer. In at least one embodiment, the method also includes removing at least a portion of the layer of porogen from the matrix layer to create a porous layer of the solid piece of polymer.

Abstract: A stent or other prosthesis may be formed by coating a single continuous wire scaffold with a polymer coating. The polymer coating may consist of layers of electrospun polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Electrospun PTFE of certain porosities may permit endothelial cell growth within the prosthesis.

Abstract: An adjustable vascular graft with a user-customizable reduced inner diameter is provided. The graft includes a flexible tubular body having open ends and a plurality of receivers in a sidewall thereof, which may be arranged in two circumferentially spaced rows of receivers. The receivers may take the form of ringlets, eyelets, loops, or holes, which may be provided in a reinforced region of the graft sidewall, and which may be radiopaque. A suture passes through the plurality of receivers, the suture having first and second free ends capable of being pulled, and which suture may also be radiopaque. Tensioning or tightening the first and second ends of the suture reduces an inner diameter of the corresponding portion of the tubular body of the graft, thereby allowing for the custom reduced inner diameter and a resulting flow restriction to be provided. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A luminal stent includes a tube body (10) that can be compressed and expanded in the radial direction, and an anti-leakage structure (20); the tube body (10) is divided by the anti-leakage structure (20) into a first tube body (11) positioned on one side of the anti-leakage structure (20) and a second tube body (12) positioned on the other side of the anti-leakage structure (20), at least part of the first tube body (11) being encircled by the anti-leakage structure (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a chimney stent graft with a tubular stent graft body (2) and at least one sealing element (3), wherein the sealing element (3) encloses the stent graft body (2) in a middle section and the sealing element (3) comprises a sponge- and/or tangle-like, elastic structure. The sealing element (3) provides for sealing of the gap forming between the chimney stent graft (1) and the vessel wall or further parallel stent grafts, resp., and thus prevents leakage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are muscle implants and methods of making muscle implants comprising one or more decellularized muscle matrices. The muscle matrices can, optionally, be joined to one or more decellularized dermal matrices. The muscle implants can be used to enhance muscle volume or to treat muscle damage, defects, and/or disorders. The decellularized muscle matrices in the implants retain at least some of the myofibers found in a muscle tissue prior to processing.

Abstract: A reinforced graft construct for repairing a tendon or ligament formed by inserting a piece of material, such as suture, through the graft lengthwise. The material may be inserted along only a portion of the graft or along the entire graft. The material may be a reinforcement (reinforcing) material such as suture, tape, weave, or mesh passed lengthwise through the graft (for example, along the center of the graft). The ends of the graft may be whipstitched to provide additional fixation when implanted. The material may be bioabsorbable such that it will resorb away after a period of time in the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of adjustable implants, particularly permanent breast implants, intended for implantation into a subject, particularly a human subject. In some embodiments, the adjustable implant comprises a shell including a resilient shell membrane, a first reservoir containing a fluid, e.g., a saline, a second reservoir including a resilient second-reservoir membrane, and a pump. The pump may include a first pump actuator, a first pump inlet, and a first pump outlet. The first reservoir and second reservoir may be disposed within the shell and be in fluid communication via the pump. Fluid may be transferred between the two reservoirs to change the profile of the implant.

Abstract: An adjustable implant is disclosed herein. The adjustable implant may comprise a shell including membrane and a base and having a first diameter in a plane parallel to the base. A band may be disposed within the shell. The band may have a first end and a second end connected to a spool. The band may be in a round (e.g., elliptical) configuration having a second diameter in the plane that is less than the first diameter. By wrapping the band onto the spool, the diameter of the band may be decreased and the height of the implant may be increased. By unwrapping the band from the spool, the diameter of the band may be increased and the height of the implant may be decreased.

Abstract: Intraocular tens and methods for optimization of depth of focus and the image quality in the periphery of the visual field.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve coaptation assist device includes an anchor and a single valve assist leaflet. The anchor may be a supporting ring frame, brace or arc structure and will usually be radially self-expandable so that it can expand against surrounding tissue. The valve assist leaflet may be made of pericardium or other biological or artificial material and is shaped like the native target valve leaflet. The valve assist leaflet is typically sized larger than the target leaflet so that after implantation a significant overlap of the device body occurs.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a medical device implant can include an outer catheter and a flexible delivery catheter. The outer catheter can have an axially extending shaft and a first lumen extending co-axially through the axially extending shaft. The flexible delivery catheter can have an elongate shaft having a flexible section extending along a distal portion of the elongate shaft, and the flexible section of the elongate shaft can be positioned or adjusted between a first, delivery configuration and a second, activated configuration. The delivery catheter can have a pull wire extending co-axially through a second lumen axially extending through the elongate shaft. A distal end of the pull wire can be fixedly secured or attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A single piece stent construction having a plurality of commissure posts, each of which extends upwardly from a solid ring along a bend line and generally along a central longitudinal axis of the stent.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve configured to replace a native heart valve and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein is disclosed, together with methods of using same. Interlocking members or flexible loops are included to limit expansion of the valve to one or two valve sizes, for example, with a 2-mm gap between each valve size. The valve may include an internal structural band with overlapped free ends having structure for limiting expansion, or external loops of suture may be added to the fabric covering which limits expansion.

Abstract: A catheter based balloon enabled prosthetic heart valve delivery device is provided. The balloon enabled delivery device is configured to deploy a prosthetic heart valve through inflation. The balloon enabled delivery device is further configured to reduce or prevent migration of the prosthetic heart valve during deployment. Migration is prevented through a combination of balanced inflation of the balloon, inflation fluid flow balancing structures, retention rings, retention covers, and balloon surface treatments.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native aortic heart valve region of a patient can include introducing a prosthetic heart valve on a transvascular delivery apparatus into an artery of the patient, advancing the delivery apparatus through an aorta of the patient to the native aortic heart valve region, and releasing the prosthetic heart valve from the delivery apparatus. The delivery apparatus can have a shaft with a valve connection portion that is releasably coupled to posts of the prosthetic heart valve. The delivery apparatus can have a delivery sheath positioned around the prosthetic heart valve and the valve connection portion. The releasing the prosthetic valve can include moving the delivery sheath proximally relative to the shaft and the prosthetic heart valve such that the delivery sheath uncovers the prosthetic heart valve and the prosthetic heart valve can self-expand.

Abstract: A clip for immobilizing leaflets of a cardiac or venous valve includes a hub having a pair of tangle resistant spring-biased outer arms coupled to an inferior end of the hub and a pair of tangle resistant spring-biased inner arms adjacent to the outer arms and coupled to a superior end of the hub. A delivery catheter may be used to position the valve clip adjacent a target valve while the outer and inner arms are biased in an opened position relative to each other. After the valve leaflets are located between the opened outer and inner arms, the biasing forces may be released to allow the clip to self-close the clip over the valve leaflets.

Abstract: A valve annulus repair system joins anchors at one or both of their proximal and distal ends to construct an implant to reshape the annulus. A removable frame may be used to position the anchors proximate to the annulus and to adjust the shape of the annulus. The frame may support the anchors during deployment of the system, release the anchors during construction of the implant, adjust the shape of the implant (and concomitantly the shape of the reconstructed valve) during an adjustment/cinching process, retain the adjusted shape of the valve annulus while relative anchor positions are secured, and release the anchors to enable the frame to be removed from the deployment site following implant construction. With such a system, a low-profile, flexile annular valve implant with reduced the risks of migration, fracture, embolism and thrombus may be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates in general to the field of heart surgery. In the surgical area, instruments are used in order to study the interior of living organisms and/or to be used for surgical procedures. These also include implants for restoring the functionality of a heart. This invention is a heart-valve implant, in particular for mitral-valve reconstruction. The mitral-valve reconstruction is to be carried out on a beating heart with the minimally-invasive method. Access to the heart is made between the 3rd or 4th intercostal space in the right area of the thorax. Via this access path, the inventive heart-valve implant is inserted into the left ventricle of the heart. The inventive heart-valve implant comprises a fastening means for picking up a valve leaflet, an anchoring element for fastening the fastening means in the myocardium, and a connecting element, which connects the anchoring element to the fastening means.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for recellularization of valves in valve-bearing veins. This method is useful for producing an allogeneic venous valve, wherein a donor valve-bearing vein is decellularized and then recellularized using whole blood or bone marrow stem cells. The allogeneic valves produced by the methods disclosed herein are advantageous for implantation, transplantation, or grafting into patients with vascular diseases.

Abstract: The present teachings provide systems, devices, and methods for reshaping the heart and reducing valve regurgitation. A device can be positioned proximate the heart and have a delivery profile and an inflated profile. The device can have a primary cavity and a secondary cavity, and an adhesive inside the secondary cavity. An injectable medium can be injected to the primary cavity of the device. As the primary cavity is filled, the adhesive is forced out of the secondary cavity to adhere the device. The inflated device can exert pressure on the heart, change the shape of a valve annulus, and allow a better coaptation of the valve leaflets.

Abstract: A tissue-engaging element has a distal portion configured to engage a portion of tissue of the heart. A guide member is reversibly coupled to the tissue-engaging element. An elongate implant has a distal end and a proximal end, at least the distal end being slidably coupled to the guide member. A tool is slidable along the guide member distally toward the tissue-engaging element while (i) the tool is coupled to at least the distal end of the elongate implant, and (ii) the guide member is coupled to the tissue-engaging element, such that sliding of the tool along the guide member distally toward the tissue-engaging element while (i) the tool is coupled to at least the distal end of the elongate implant, and (ii) the guide member is coupled to the tissue-engaging element, slides at least the distal end of the elongate implant toward the tissue-engaging element.

Abstract: A prosthesis is implanted subcutaneously within a human penis, the prosthesis forming sides of an elongated longitudinal modified cylindrical shape, the sides hinged along a common abutment therebetween. A sheath is mounted around the prosthesis' wall and a net sheeting is imbedded under the surface of the prosthesis' wall providing a means to secure the sides; restraining them to further secure a corpora cavernosa around the prosthesis is placed. When the penis is erect it grows in girth thereby causing the sides to diverge, forcing a press-rib against a deep dorsal vein of the penis, which results in restricting blood flow and maintaining erectile rigidity and duration.

Abstract: An acetabular spacer device, of a type that is temporary and disposable, adapted to be implanted in use in a bone cavity placed at a joint of the human body, such as a hip or shoulder joint, has a cup-like shape, substantially hemispherical, and includes a first convex surface, adapted to be positioned at the bone cavity, a second concave surface, which defines a cavity, further includes at least one pharmaceutical or medical substance, such as at least one antibiotic, adapted to treat during use an ongoing infection in the bone cavity.

Abstract: Provided for herein, in several embodiments are implants and methods of using same to repair damaged or defective soft tissue. In several embodiments, the soft tissue comprises cartilage within a joint space. In several embodiments, the implants provided for comprise a stimulating region and an anchoring region. In several embodiments, the implants are spherical. A discontinuity between a surface of the implant and the surrounding cartilage advantageously facilitates implant placement and stimulation of generation of fibrous tissue, and subsequently new cartilage.

Abstract: An apparatus and modeling method of the present invention includes the successive steps of generating cartographic data representative of points belonging to a glenoid surface; distinguishing from among the cartographic data a first group of cartographic data corresponding to a first part of the glenoid surface, the first surface part being situated farthest down in the vertical direction in relation to the scapula; calculating from the first group of cartographic data a first ellipsoid portion that coincides substantially with the first surface part; and obtaining a theoretical glenoid surface from the first ellipsoid portion. By virtue of the theoretical glenoid surface obtained by this method, it is possible to assist the surgeon in optimizing the position of implantation of a glenoid component and to produce a glenoid component “made to measure” for the scapula that is to be fitted with a prosthesis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a humeral implant is provided that includes a hollow stem and a mounting end. The hollow stem has a sharp distal edge. The mounting end has a mounting hole and a mounting channel disposed about the mounting hole. The mounting hole is configured to receive a tapered projection of an anatomic articular body. The mounting channel is configured to receive an annular projection of a reverse articular body.

Abstract: A system and method for improving upon an ability of a surgeon to repair traumatic bone injury using new materials, components, techniques, and structures. A structure may be used as an implant or a component of an external fixator for a fractured long bone with that structure having modifiable anisotropic and viscoelastic properties, such as through additive manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: A semi-condylar artificial knee joint includes a femoral prosthesis and a tibial prosthesis, and the cross-section of said tibial prosthesis is of a kidney-like type. The tibial prosthesis is disposed at one side of the tibial plateau intercondylar eminence and is located below the femoral prosthesis. The artificial knee joint further includes a locating pin for fixing the tibial prosthesis. The bottom surface of said tibial prosthesis is provided with a prosthetic notch, and below said tibial prosthesis is provided with a tibial notch. Said prosthetic notch corresponds to said tibial notch, and together forming a limiting hole for accommodating the locating pin. The cooperation between the locating pin and the limiting hole can ensure relative position stability and balance between the tibial prosthesis and the tibial plateau intercondylar eminence.

Abstract: The invention describes an artificial knee joint, which includes a femoral condyle prosthesis and a tibial plateau prosthesis, and said tibial plateau prosthesis includes a medial tibial plateau prosthesis and a lateral tibial plateau prosthesis respectively disposed at both sides of the tibial plateau intercondylar eminence. The artificial knee joint further includes a locating pin for fixing the tibial plateau prosthesis. The bottom surface of said tibial plateau prosthesis is provided with a prosthetic notch, and the tibia below said tibial plateau prosthesis is provided with a tibial notch. Said prosthetic notch corresponds to said tibial notch, together forming a limiting hole for accommodating the locating pin. The cooperation between the locating pin and the limiting hole can ensure relative position stability and balance between the medial tibial plateau prosthesis and the lateral tibial plateau prosthesis.

Abstract: An arthroplasty trial assembly for a human shoulder can include a first implant securable to a first bone and a second implant securable to a second bone. The second implant can include a body, a stem, an articulation component, and a sensor. The stem can extend from the body, and the stem can be insertable into the second bone. The articulation component can be coupled to the body opposite the stem, and the articulation component can be articulable with the first implant. The sensor can be connected to the articulation component and can be configured to monitor a condition of the second implant and can produce a sensor signal as a function of the condition that is indicative of stability of the shoulder.

Abstract: An expandable implant includes a base member, an adjustable member adjustably coupled to the base member and movable between a first, collapsed position, and a second, expanded position, a control assembly including a control shaft, wherein manipulation of the control shaft causes relative movement of the adjustable member relative to the base member, wherein the base member and the adjustable member are coupled together at least in part via the control assembly such that the control shaft is rotationally fixed relative to the base member and the adjustable member, and the adjustable member is resiliently compressible relative to the base member.

Abstract: An expandable implant includes an upper portion configured to engage a first portion of bone, a bottom portion configured to engage a second portion of bone, a control assembly coupled to the upper portion and the bottom portion and configured to control relative movement between the upper portion and the bottom portion, wherein the control assembly includes a front portion and a control member, wherein the front portion has an aperture configured to receive the control member, wherein the control member includes a head, and wherein a portion of the head is positioned outside of the aperture as the implant is expanded between a first, collapsed orientation and a second, expanded orientation.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions and an inner core disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.

Abstract: There is provided a holder (100) for a femoral knee component (20), the holder comprising a pair of jaws which includes a first jaw (102) having a first femoral knee component engagement feature (110a) and a second jaw (104) having a second femoral knee component engagement feature (110b). The holder also includes a bridge (106) extending between the first jaw and the second jaw, the bridge being configured to allow the jaws to move between an open configuration for engaging with a femoral knee component and closed configuration for disengaging from the femoral knee component. A handle connection feature (112a) is also provided.

Abstract: A device for delivering a bone material to a surgical site is provided. The device comprises a body having an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the body is substantially transverse to the upper portion and has an opening for receiving a bone material. An internal chamber is disposed within the upper portion and the lower portion, and a plunger is slidably disposed in at least the internal chamber of the body. The plunger has a distal end configured for delivering the bone material out of the lower portion of the body, wherein movement of the plunger in a first position toward the lower portion of the body delivers the bone material from the lower portion of the body to the surgical site. Methods of delivering the bone material are also provided.

Abstract: An implant insertion tool for use during a surgical procedure to implant an acetabular cup component into a surgically-prepared acetabulum of a patient's hip includes a metallic elongated shaft, a removable polymeric grip, and a locking nut to secure the grip to the elongated shaft. Such a modular design allows the implant insertion tool to be dissembled prior to sterilization.

Abstract: A registration system including a bone pin guide and a bone pin clamp. The bone pin guide may include a guide body, a first guide including a first guide through-hole having a first longitudinal axis, and a second guide including a second guide through-hole having a second longitudinal axis. The bone pin guide may guide first and second bone pins into a bone via the first and second guides. The bone pin clamp may include a clamp body, first, second, and third clamp through-holes extending through the clamp body, a plurality of registration indents defined on the clamp body, and a clamping mechanism including at least one adjustable fastener. The bone pin clamp may receive the first and second bone pins in the first and third clamp through-holes and guide a third bone pin into the bone via the second clamp through-hole.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices and methods of controlling the same are provided. A prosthetic ankle device includes a foot unit and lower limb member moveable relative to one another and defining an ankle angle therebetween. The prosthetic ankle device further includes a controller to operate the device using different ankle angles depending on, for example, a user's gait speed. Methods of controlling the prosthetic ankle device include operating the device at different ankle angles depending on gait speed. For example, the prosthetic ankle device can provide for relatively more dorsiflexion at relatively slower gait speeds and relatively more plantarflexion at relatively faster gait speeds.

Abstract: A linear force-measuring device for a hydraulic actuator of an orthopedic device. The force-measuring device includes a base, a bearing receptacle and at least one sensor for detecting changes in length between the base and the bearing receptacle, wherein the bearing receptacle is connected to the base via two opposing connecting parts, and the at least one sensor is secured to one of the connecting parts.

Abstract: A liner and a method for producing a liner for a lower arm prosthesis, wherein the liner comprises a base body with a closed distal end and an open proximal end, and the method comprises the production of the base body by moulding a preform, in particular using a casting or dipping method, wherein in at least one section of the preform a first diameter of the blank is greater than a second diameter in a second direction, which extends orthogonally to the first direction.

Abstract: A prosthesis socket system with a rigid outer socket which has a proximal outer socket opening for receiving an extremity stump of a wearer of the prosthesis socket system, and a flexible inner socket, which is connected to the outer socket and has a proximal inner socket opening for receiving the extremity stump, wherein at least one sealing lip is arranged on an inner side of the inner socket facing the extremity stump.

Abstract: A shape memory material-based minimally invasive implantation with end part self-expanding structure, and an implant having the structure. The implant includes an actuating component; the implant has a first shape and a second shape, and comprises a central part and multiple end parts which are substantially symmetrically distributed; the second shape has a larger area than the first shape; the actuating component is able to enable the end parts to move along a direction away from the central part of the implant, so that the implant is transformed from the first shape to the second shape. The present invention can allow an implant to have a small size before it is implanted and to be expanded into a structure having a larger size after implantation.

Abstract: A stent (100) comprising a stent wall (102), the stent wall (102) having a plurality of side holes (110) extending therethrough, each side hole (110) having an upstream end (116) and a downstream end (118). The stent wall (102) tapers in thickness in a direction towards the side hole (110) at the upstream (116) and/or downstream (118) end of at least one of the side holes (110). Also disclosed are methods for making side holes (110) in stents (100) by milling and making stents (100) having side holes (110) by injection moulding.